What activities can I try during river cruises on the Shannon?

Thursday, 7 July 2011 12:03 PM

If you're looking for the ideal break where you can combine periods of relaxation with the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities, you might want to consider boat hire in Ireland for your next getaway.

Whether you plan to travel for a few days or a couple of weeks, there are plenty of holidays on the water to choose from. Avoid the stresses and strains of hotel check-in times and noisy accommodation by taking a boat trip and you'll find a real sense of freedom as you traverse the waterways.

There's nowhere more picturesque to spend your break than in the lush Irish countryside and of course you'll be able to moor up at certain spots and explore the scenery for yourself. If you're struggling to settle on the ideal destination for your holiday, why not look at River Shannon boating holidays?

Ireland's longest river, the Shannon is also one of the nation's oldest - dating back to just after the Ice Age. Running from the Shannon Pot in County Cavan down the Shannon Estuary, the river meets seawater at Limerick and passes through some lovely countryside along its route.

There are also numerous places to stop and moor up if you feel like stretching your legs. You can begin your journey at Carrick-on-Shannon - a bustling town and a historic river crossing. Make some time to have a look around before you head on to your next port of call.

Here you can visit the tiny Costello Chapel, which is the smallest such building in the whole of Ireland. You might also want to call in at the Dock Arts Centre, which is housed in a former 19th century courthouse.

If you'd like to experience some of the local culture, head to the busy market, where you can stock up on supplies of organic vegetables, fresh meat and fish and homemade cakes. If you travel in August, you might be able to catch the Carrick Water Music Festival, too.

When you reach your next destination, Roosky, you'll be able to climb ashore and have a go at a popular sport in the area - fishing. Call in at Lakeland Fishery where you can try your hand at catching carp and other fish. The region is known as Ireland's fishing centre and you'll stop off at another great spot later in your journey.

While you're in this picturesque village you might want to visit Lough Rynn House and Gardens at Mohill. Here you can follow walking trails around the lake, admire the ornamental garden and take in the sight of numerous historical buildings.

Stop over at Tarmonbarry for the night and tuck in to some tasty local fare at one of the pubs here before making your way to Richmond Harbour and the Royal Canal. Explore the area and you'll discover a 12th century abbey and the beautifully restored gothic Carrigglas Manor, which was built in 1837.

Journey on to Lanesborough Town and you'll find excellent fishing facilities here. You can catch bream, tench, roach, and pike if you're skilled at the sport but if not it's still fun to have a go. There are a few supermarkets so you can pick up any groceries you need and if you want to try a different activity, why not enjoy a round on the pitch and putt course?

In fact, the River Shannon makes for an ideal base if you're looking for holidays for golfers, as there's another top class course to be discovered further down the route.

Your next stop may well be the busy town of Athone, and this is the ideal place for picking up souvenirs as there are plenty of Celtic handicrafts and knitwear items for sale. And if you fancy a bit of sightseeing, visit the imposing castle, which was built in the 12th century and expanded in the years after.

For a taste of the area's culture, call in at the Derryglad Folk Museum, which houses artefacts from folk and farm life in the region during the 18th century.

The next stop is Clonmacnois, where you can enjoy being in the open air as you make your way around the Clonfert Monastic site. Back on your boat, you can make for the long-established angling centre of Shannonbridge. Make the most of your time here by stopping off at the former artillery fortification - now a restaurant - or Ashbrook Open Farm and Agricultural Museum when you've had your fill of angling.

Moor up at the typical Irish market town of Banagher afterwards and pay a visit to Birr Golf Club, where you can play an 18-hole parkland course with a par of 70, or head to Portumna and explore the Napoleonic fort and Historic Science Centre.

You'll be amazed at the sheer number of attractions waiting for you on river cruises down the Shannon!